Determinants of health seeking behaviour among men with STIs in Zimbabwe.a case study of Gutu Mission Gospital, Gutu. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Monalisa, Chipanga

Title

Determinants of health seeking behaviour among men with STIs in Zimbabwe.a case study of Gutu Mission Gospital, Gutu.

Abstract

Men play an important role within households and societies. Studies point out that women seek more health assistance and report more incidents of illness than men. Hence, this is one of the reasons why men’s life expectancy is short and women live longer than men. Based on the health belief model (HBM ), the study aimed to explore the factors that influence health seeking behavior among men with STIs at Gutu Mission Hospital.Four objectives centred on assessing the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of men with STIs on health care services, examining the challenges that men with STIs face in seeking health care, exploring the role of the health care system in the provision of services to men with STIs and interventions of improving health care facilities for men with STIs.The study adopted a qualitative approach anchored on a case study as the design of the study. The study used In-depth Interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews as methods of data collection. The study utilized purposive sampling and snowball sampling which is a form of non-probability sampling by selecting participants based on specific characteristics that are relevant to the study. The research discovered that factors that are affecting the health seeking behaviour among men with STIs seeking medical attention for STIs. Based on the study, the factors that were brought to light are as follows; absence of male health workers, perceived seriousness of STIs, confidentiality, stigma and lack of financial resources. Moreover, the results of the study proved how the health care system is trying to meet the needs of men with STIs. Hence on, the study recommended that government should develop polices and legislations that addresses unique challenges faced by men in accessing STI health care services such as stigma. It also recommended, Gutu Mission Hospital that it should consider having professional male counsellors. To add on, the researcher recommends Social workers to collaborate with Gutu Mission Hospital and community members to identify potential barriers to health seeking behaviour among men with STIs and develop strategies to overcome such challenges and enhance their health seeking behaviour.

Date

JUNE 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Gutu Mission Hospital
improving health care
Focus Group Discussions

Supervisor

NIL